IRB makes changes to points system

The International Rugby Board has announced changes to the system governing the number of points available to teams at each leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.

The number of Series points on offer at the seven 16-team events (which includes Dubai, South Africa, New Zealand, USA, Australia, England and Scotland) has been raised to offer a better balance in relation to the one 24-team tournament in Hong Kong.

The Cup winners at the 16-team season-opener in Dubai will now take 24 points towards their Series tally, as opposed to 20, while the Hong Kong Cup winners will still earn 30 points.

From the 2009/10 season, the second-tier Plate will offer the losers of the Cup quarter finals the chance to earn 16 points towards their World Series tally, rather than a maximum of eight in the past.

To bring consistency in the Series, the Hong Kong tournament will now also feature a Shield competition in addition to the Bowl, Plate and Cup.

The first IRB Sevens tournament kicks off in Dubai on December 5th and 6th.